Photo: Rick Bannerot
Larchmont, NY (Feb 10, 2025) — The Storm Trysail Club is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 78th edition of the Block Island Race, set to begin on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 12 p.m. This iconic 186-nautical-mile race has long served as both an ideal tune-up for the summer season ahead and a thrilling standalone challenge for local and regional competitors alike.
In 2024, the event saw strong participation, with a competitive fleet of 76 testing their skills in the dynamic late-May conditions. The Storm Trysail Club hopes to see an even greater turnout in 2025 as boats once again take on the adventure from Stamford, Conn., around Block Island, and back. For those looking for a shorter but still competitive course, the race also offers a 136-nautical-mile option down Long Island Sound to Plum Island and back.
A Race with Unpredictable Conditions
Storm Trysail Club Commodore Andrew Weiss, who plans to compete in his own boat Christopher Dragon, highlights what makes this race unique. “What makes the Block Island Race special is the ever-changing conditions in late May,” he explains. “Sailors must adapt to shifting winds, currents, and sometimes unpredictable weather, making it a true test of skill and seamanship - but also a great way to kick off the racing season.”
Safety and Technology Updates
The Race Committee remains committed to keeping the race both safe and competitive. Building on updates introduced in 2022, all participating boats must carry and activate an operational AIS transponder from the moment they start until they finish or retire from the race. This requirement enhances safety and race management, ensuring real-time tracking for all competitors.
Raymarine is looking to help with that by offering race participants $200 in rebate savings with the purchase of a new AIS700 transceiver from any Raymarine dealer or reseller. See details on how to take advantage of this deal below.
Stay In Step Onboard
The Race’s newest sponsor, Sebago, is celebrating the new sponsorship by offering sailors a 35% discount at Sebago-usa.com. A unique discount code will be provided to each boat that registers before the Race so if you need something new for the race or dockside after, they got you covered.
Trophies to Qualify for:
The Block Island Race serves as a key qualifier for several prestigious offshore racing trophies, including:
- Northern Ocean Racing Trophy (ORC)
- Double-Handed Ocean Racing Trophy (ORC)
- New England Lighthouse Series (PHRF)
- De Coursey Fales Trophy (PHRF)
- Sagola Trophy (PHRF)
- Windigo Trophy (PHRF)
- du Moulin Cup for Double-Handed Racing
- Youth Challenge Cup (YRA-LIS)
- STC Rugg Family Youth Offshore Challenge
- Tuna Trophy (ORC), awarded for the best combined score in the Edlu (40%) and Block Island Race (60%)
Sign Up Today!
With an exciting fleet expected and strong competition across ORC and PHRF divisions, the 2025 Block Island Race promises to be another thrilling chapter in the event’s storied history.
For full details and to enter the race, visit stormtrysail.org/block-island-race or directly on YachtScoring. Please note that the Organizers are well aware of the technical difficulties that YachtScoring is undergoing due to a new software upgrade. If you have any questions or need to complete your registration by phone, please contact [email protected] or call during business hours +1 (914) 834-8857.